The Simple Ways To Avoid Crocodile Attack

Today there are something like twenty-two species of reptile that make up the Order Crocodylia. Of these species; only thirteen are actually true crocodiles, the remainder are Alligators, Caiman and the extremely rare and endangered, long-snouted gavials, sometimes referred to as gharials. We often get asked how to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator. There are a number of anatomical differences between crocodiles and alligators, when observing these reptiles look for a large, fourth tooth in the lower jaw. When the mouth is closed this tooth fits into a notch in the upper jaw and the tooth remains visible even when the mouth is closed. If you can see this tooth, then you are looking at a crocodile.

There are only two species of Alligator left in the world. Firstly, as most people know, there is the American alligator (alligator mississipiensis), which can be found widely distributed across the south-eastern United States, most typically in the Florida Everglades. There is also a second extant species of alligator, although this one is much rarer and confined to the upper Yangtse River valley in China. Scientists had thought that the less aggressive alligator had been "weeded out" of its range by crocodiles, leaving the only representatives of the Alligatoridae family in these isolated pockets. The more efficient crocodiles grew faster and may have been better at consuming food but this is generally regarded as speculation - as in the case of the American alligator, this species competes with the native American crocodile (C. acutus). The American alligator can withstand cold spells far better than the American crocodile, and as a result, has a much more extensive range in the United States.

Crocodiles and Alligators kill hundreds of people every year. While most of these fatal crocodile attacks occur in Africa and Asia it is important to note that these powerful reptiles are also found in parts of Australia and America (especially in the Southern States). Humans are typically not part of a crocodile's diet, but in truth they will eat just about anything that moves. They are also very territorial, especially during mating season, and will violently defend themselves even if you mean them no harm. The best option is to give crocodiles and alligators plenty of space and be cautious around water where they may live. In the unlikely event that you are attacked, you may be able to survive if you implement these simple instructions.

1. Stay away from infested waters. This is the simplest way to avoid a crocodile attack. Ask local authorities or residents about the presence of crocodiles in lakes and rivers in your area and don't go swimming outside the designated swimming areas. These animals actively hunt at night when they are hardest to see, so avoid swimming at dusk or at night.

2. If you have spotted a crocodile it is a good idea to stay at least 10 meters away from them so that you have room to escape. Often crocodiles can produce short bursts of speed and can take you by surprise if you are too close. If you are passing a crocodile you do not want to frighten it by coming up behind it. Slap your oars on the water or make a sound so it knows you are there. Crocodiles will sometimes defend themselves violently when they are startled. They are much faster in water so if you know that the water is infested you probably won't want to go swimming or even go near the water.

3. Run away. If you happen to get dangerously close to a crocodile you should be able to outrun it on land. Alligators and Crocodiles generally use the element of surprise when attacking their prey which means they are unlikely to follow you very far on land.

4. Fighting if you are attacked. If it has you between its jaws it will not let go. The power of their bites are virtually impossible to escape by struggling your way out. Also if you struggle the animal is more likely to do a death roll which is generally what crocodiles do to rip limbs off animals. The best option is to poke or press your finger into its eye. While they have you in their clamp the only way for the crocodile or alligator to escape an eye gouge is to let you go. The eyes are the most vulnerable part of a crocodile or an alligator's body. This is the prime target and it will work nearly every time.

If you cannot reach the eyes for some unknown reason you could also go for the nostrils or ears. Many people have been saved by whacking the snout of a crocodile. This is less likely to work but it may be your only option. If you have been dragged under water you could always go for the palatal valve. Crocodiles and alligators have a flap of tissue behind their tongues that cover their throats and prevents water from getting into their stomach. If you can pry this valve open and allow water to rush down its throat then it will most likely let you go.

Attention:The Crocodiles' Speed Beyond Your Imagination

Crocodiles have a streamlined body which enables them to swim really fast. Another feature of crocodiles which help them to swim speedily is that they tuck their feet to their sides while swimming. By this water resistance is reduced and enables them to swim faster.

In water as well as out of water, crocodiles are very fast over little distances. Crocodiles grab and hold onto their prey while eating. They have developed sharp teeth for holding on to the prey and tearing flesh. Their jaws have powerful mussels that close the jaws and hold them shut. However their jaws are opened by a very weak set of mussels.

Crocodiles can be transported or subdued for study very simply because of these weak mussels. They could be handled by taping their jaws or holding the jaws together by large rubber bands cut out of automobile inner tubes.

Their teeth are sharp-pointed, inter-locking and are perpetually replaced. A single croc might grow up to 3,000 teeth in its lifetime. How amazing is that? A small bird hops right into the prehistoric estuarine Crocodile's mouth and clean its teeth.

Stay away from infested waters. This is the simplest way to avoid a crocodile attack. Ask local authorities or residents about the presence of crocodiles in lakes and rivers in your area and don't go swimming outside the designated swimming areas. These animals actively hunt at night when they are hardest to see, so avoid swimming at dusk or at night.

Interesting Features And Lifestyle About The Freshwater Crocodile

"Freshies", as they are commonly referred to, are endemic to Australia and occur in inland waters of northern Australia. In Queensland, they are found mainly in the rivers and swamps of Cape York Peninsula, areas bordering the Gulf of Carpentaria and the north-west. There are also east coast populations found in the upper Herbert River, the Burdekin River catchment and the Ross River. Freshwater crocodiles also live in tidal reaches of some rivers.

These small, rather harmless crocodiles are found in Northern Australia, from Western Australia, through the Northern Territory and into Queensland. Adult size is approximately 2.5 metres, males being larger than the females. Their primary habitat consists of marshlands, billabongs, rivers and creeks. They are more secretive than the big salties, and are more likely found in marshland where there is plenty of cover, unlike the salties which will regularly be seen swimming down the open river. Although they predominantly live within fresh water, as their name suggests, they do also venture into saltwater and can tolerate it well.

These crocodiles are mainly fish feeders, also taking amphibians, birds, rats and other small mammals and other reptiles. They do not have the power or size which the large saltwater crocodiles have, and therefore would have little chance, nor the will to attack or kill a human. Many tourists and Australian locals regularly swim with these freshwater crocodiles.

Breeding occurs around May, which is the very early stage of the dry season. Approximately 6 weeks later up to 20 eggs are laid in a nest dug out by the female. This nest is generally quite high upon the river embankment. Over the next 3 months these eggs will have to survive the feral pigs and monitor lizards before they hatch. Once they hatch, they are still at great risk from predatory birds, snakes and other crocodiles. It is estimated that only 1% of these hatchlings will actually survive to reach maturity and breed.

Luckily for the freshwater crocodiles, hunting has been kept to a minimum. They are a small species and almost harmless to humans, so there has been little desire to kill them. Their population is fairly stable and has been for many years.

Appearance

Freshwater crocodiles are grey or olive-brown with ragged dark mottling.A freshwater crocodile can be distinguished from an estuarine crocodile by its narrow snout and evenly shaped and sized needle-like teeth. There is also a distinguishing row of four large scales on the neck immediately behind the head.

Males reach weights of up to 60kg but rarely grow more than 2.5m long, while their female counterparts grow to 1.8m long and weigh up to 30kg.

Breeding

Males reach sexual maturity at around 2m and females at 1.5m, both at an estimated age of 15-20 years.

The breeding season for freshwater crocodiles starts between July and August and nesting occurs from August to September. In contrast to the estuarine crocodile, freshwater crocodiles are known as pulse nesters. This means that all mature females in a population nest within a short period of several weeks, rather than staggered over several months. Between four and 20 eggs, usually about 12, are deposited into simple holes that are dug in sand or soil near the water's edge.

Incubation takes 65-90 days with hatchlings emerging at the start of the wet season, October/November. Unlike most other crocodilians, freshwater crocodiles rarely guard their nests or display any maternal care. Over 70 percent of eggs laid are destroyed by flooding and/or eaten by feral pigs, goannas and snakes. Of the eggs that do hatch, it is estimated that only about 12 percent make it through their first year of life. Predators such as turtles, fish and other crocodiles feed on the unprotected hatchlings. Like estuarine crocodiles low and high temperatures predominately produce females, while middle range temperatures produce mostly males.

Feeding

Freshwater crocodiles are active during the day but forage mainly at night. Their diet consists of small animals including insects, fish, frogs, lizards, turtles, bats and birds. Occasionally, small mammals at the water's edge may also be taken.

As with the estuarine crocodile, freshwater crocodiles are also ambush predators that wait for their prey to come close to the water's edge so that they can grab them with their powerful jaws. Freshwater crocodiles also hunt actively in shallow water and areas where water flows over a rocky bottom - an ideal location to hunt for frogs and small crustaceans.

To Know More About Alligators Eating Habits

Alligators and their cousins, crocodiles, have successfully adapted to the changing ecological conditions. They have remained almost unchanged since the time they arrived on this earth, about 200 million years. The name alligator is derived from the Spanish name 'el lagarto' which means 'lizard'. American alligator and the Chinese alligator are the only two living alligator species on the earth. When dinosaurs wandered freely on this earth, alligators were also present. So, many times alligators are referred to as 'living fossils'. Here is the required information regarding what do alligators eat in the wild.

What Do Alligators Eat

Interesting facts about American alligator inform us that in the zoos, alligators may live up to 75 years but in the wild, their average lifespan is about 50 years. Large alligators prefer to live alone while smaller ones live in large numbers close to each other. This cold blooded animal is known for its bone crushing bites. They have around 75 teeth! Alligators are about 13-17 feet long and may weigh around 350-450 kg. Obviously, they have a large appetite. Let us see what do alligators like to eat.

American alligators are found in freshwater environment. Ponds, marshes, bogs, wetlands, rivers, lakes, swamps and brackish lagoons are their favorite dwelling places. Young alligators enjoy eating small fish, insects, tadpoles, frogs and snails. They like to eat crustaceans and worms also. They gradually learn to catch larger preys. As they grow, they start eating larger fish such as gar, turtles, various mammals, birds, deer, snakes and other reptiles. They often swallow stones which help them dive deep into the water. Large alligators like to eat small animals which they can kill easily. Their powerful jaws help them eat smaller animals with a single bite. They may even ingest a dead animal if they don't get anything else to eat. Large alligators can eat smaller alligators also. Razorbacks and deer are their favorite food. In Florida, there were cases of alligators eating watch dogs, panthers and black bears.

How Often Do Alligators Eat

Alligators wander in search of prey at dusk or at night. They lay motionless for hours, catch the prey instantly with startling speed and swallow the whole prey. Actually, they are not hunters, they are lurkers. The skin sensors help them detect anything entering into the water. They keep only eyes and nostrils above the waterline. It seems that they select their prey by size. They can crush the shells of turtles or bones of animals very easily. They have very strong tails which help them propel up to 5 feet out of water. They can thus catch small animals from low-hanging tree branches. When they catch a larger prey, they hold it tightly in their powerful jaws and drag it into the water to drown. They may hide the remaining food (if they cannot finish it in one bite) and allow it to rot. They may eat it by spinning it fiercely until bite-size chunks are torn off. This is known as 'death roll'.

Alligators don't have to eat very often. They are cold blooded animals and eating once in a week is sufficient for them. Excess calories are stored in the form of fat under the tail. You might be perhaps surprised to know that an alligator can thrive without eating anything for two years! It is really very sad that only a few dozens of Chinese alligators are left in the wild, now. Chinese alligator is included in the list of extremely endangered species. Since human beings are encroaching onto alligators natural habitat, contact between people and alligators has significantly increased during last few years. An alligator attacks only when it feels that its life is in danger. Unlike the large crocodiles, it does not consider human beings as its enemies. Being timid, it walks or swims away at the site of human beings but it may attack in self-defense if provoked.

I hope you find the above information regarding 'what do alligators eat' helpful. In some areas, people kill alligators for meat and skin. Their skin is used to make bags and shoes. In fact, it is our duty to save 'alligator habitat' and 'alligators'. I hope those who are interested in reading alligators facts, help to create awareness about their protection.